Lauds record-breaking athletes, highlights rise of astronomy clubs
RK News Service
New Delhi, May 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to stay hydrated and take necessary precautions amid the rise in summer temperature across different parts of the country and also suggested enjoying “desi drinks” to beat the heat.
He lauded India’s emerging athletics stars for rewriting the national record books at the 29th National Senior Athletics Federation Cup in Ranchi, while also highlighting the country’s deep-rooted fascination with astronomy and the rapid rise of youth astronomy clubs.
In his Mann Ki Baat programme, PM Modi also talked about the popularity of mangoes, saying there’s hardly a home in India where mangoes are not talked about in summer.
“It is very hot in most parts of the country right now. Strong sun, hot winds, it is very important to take care of yourself in such weather. Keep drinking water. If at all you have to go out in the sun, do so with caution. Don’t forget the guidelines issued by various government departments in this regard,” he said.
PM Modi said that the way to fight the heat is many a time found in the kitchen as well in the country and referred to aap panna, lassi and buttermilk.
“You must have noticed that as the heat increases, the taste of home cooking changes, the type of cooking changes. At some places, water from earthen pots is brought forth; in others, curd starts setting, and in others, raw mangoes start boiling – and then starts the time of Indigenous drinks,” he said.
“You are also familiar with these Desi drinks. If you go to North India, you will find aam Panna in many places, the taste of raw mango, and relief from the heat. If you go to Punjab or Haryana, you’ll find lassi in large glasses. Buttermilk in Rajasthan and Gujarat is like a companion to every meal,” he added.
He said the desi drinks also reflect timeless traditions and reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.
“Sattu sherbet in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh is simply amazing – it fills the stomach and provides strength. Kokum sherbet and Sol Kadhi in Konkan and Goa. Panakam, Neer Mor, Sambaram in South India, and Bael Pana in Odisha aren’t just drinks, they’re a part of the traditions of different regions of India. And they also reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.’,” he said.
“And one thing you must remember: most of these things come from our own kitchens, from our farms and fields. There’s no big branding, but they embody the experience of generations. You too enjoy these desi drinks during the summer,” he added.
PM Modi also talked about different varieties of mangoes in the country and said every region has its own mango, its own flavour.
“As soon as summer arrives, another topic of discussion starts in every household: and that is mangoes. Mangoes are a common topic of discussion. There’s hardly a home in India where mangoes are not talked about in Summer. Every region… its own mango, its own flavor, its own aroma. Maharashtra and Konkan’s Hapus, Alphonso, Gujarat’s Kesar, it’s the soul of Aamras, Uttar Pradesh’s Dussehri, and my Kashi’s Langra,” he said.
“Incidentally, the Langra mango has a special quality: it often remains green even after ripening. Bihar’s Zardalu, whose aroma can be recognized from afar. Chausa, Malda – each name has memories associated with it. Go to South India, and there’s Banganapalli, Totapuri, Neelam, Malgova, Bengal’s Himsagar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh’s Suvarnarekha. In other words, as the place changes, the mango’s appearance, color, and taste also change,” he added.
PM Modi said that the journey of the mango is now reaching the global market from the village.
“Today, through ‘Mann Ki Baat’, I will praise my farmer brothers and sisters involved in mango cultivation. You are not just ordinary farmers… you are very special for the agricultural economy of the country. May you keep shining like this,” he said.
Four national records broken in Ranchi
The Prime Minister highlighted four national records that were broken during the competition, which saw nearly 800 athletes from across the country participate.
“Just a few days ago, the National Senior Athletics Federation Competition was held in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Nearly 800 athletes participated in it from all over the country. During this, four national records were broken in four different events. Gurindervir Singh, Vishal TK, Tejaswin Shankar, Dev Meena and Kuldeep Kumar set new records in different categories. First of all, I congratulate all of them,” PM Modi said.
Among the standout performers was sprinter Gurindervir Singh, who became the first Indian man to run the 100 metres in under 10.10 seconds. The 25-year-old clocked a sensational 10.09 seconds in the final to establish a new national record. The achievement capped a dramatic contest in which the national record changed hands multiple times. Gurindervir had initially run 10.17 seconds in the semifinals before Animesh Kujur bettered it with 10.15 seconds in the following heat. Gurindervir responded in emphatic fashion in the final, reclaiming the record and securing qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Another historic moment came in the men’s 400 metres, where Vishal Thennarasu Kayalvizhi became the first Indian athlete to break the 45-second barrier. Vishal stormed to victory in 44.98 seconds, setting a new national record and climbing to the top of Asia’s seasonal rankings.
In the decathlon, Tejaswin Shankar continued his remarkable transition from high jump specialist to all-round athlete by scoring 8,057 points, becoming the first Indian to cross the 8,000-point mark. The performance improved his own national record and featured personal bests in four events.
The men’s pole vault competition also produced history as Kuldeep Kumar and Dev Meena jointly rewrote the national record, clearing 5.45 metres at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Ranchi after an intense contest that saw the lead change hands several times.
PM highlights rise of astronomy clubs
The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s deep-rooted connection with astronomy, saying that navigation, calendars and festivals have long been linked to the sky and stars. He noted that astronomy continues to inspire curiosity and exploration among the youth, with astronomy clubs rapidly gaining popularity across the country.
“We Indians have always had a special fascination with astronomy. Centuries-old observatories still exist in our country, where amazing mathematical discoveries have been made. Whether it’s navigation, the almanack, or our festivals, they’re all connected to the sky and the stars. Astronomy has aroused curiosity in every generation, inspiring exploration, and today’s youth also show a great deal of enthusiasm for it. You may have noticed that astronomy clubs are rapidly gaining popularity across the country,” he said.
Citing examples, the Prime Minister mentioned the Bangalore Astronomical Society, which conducts observation sessions and has launched initiatives to promote astronomy in rural areas. He also praised the innovative 30-hour astronomy course introduced by the ‘Khastronomy Mandal’ team.
He further lauded the Big Bang Astronomy Club of Rajkot for conducting astronomy events across locations ranging from the Gir forests to the Rann of Kutch, and acknowledged the contributions of Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, one of India’s oldest astronomy institutions, which offers observational facilities along with book and telescope libraries. Additionally, he mentioned ISAAC, a student-led nationwide network that connects astronomy and astrophysics clubs.
Teacher’s initiative for soldiers’ welfare
PM Modi also highlighted an inspiring initiative by a teacher from Tamil Nadu, Girija Amma, who mobilised thousands of students to contribute towards the welfare of Indian soldiers.
Recalling meeting Girija Amma in Nagercoil last month, nearly three decades after their first interaction, the Prime Minister said she runs three educational institutions and was inspired by Mann Ki Baat to launch a unique campaign in support of the armed forces.
“She encouraged the children to contribute Re 1 every day for the brave soldiers of the nation, which means every student contributed a total of Rs 365 per year, and a cumulative amount of Rs 40 lakh was collected through these small contributions. Girija Amma handed over a cheque for the entire amount to me. I appreciate the students who contributed for our brave soldiers,” PM Modi said.
He urged citizens to recognise such efforts happening around them. “Something meaningful is happening across Bharat. Many times these efforts do not receive much attention. I urge all of you to take time to notice such efforts happening around you. Recognise the people who are doing good work for the society. If possible, become a part of a good cause yourself,” he added.